Batelle chosen for Sault energy project

By:
Northern Ontario Business staff

Batelle will develop a plan for a wood-based bioenergy
project in Sault Ste. Marie.

The Ohio-based research-and-development organization was
chosen from five applicants following a request for proposals sent out by the
Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre on behalf of the city and its other partners.

Battelle will develop a business case and implementation
plan for the installation of a pyrolysis plant in the region. The proposed
plant would process 20 dry tons of biomass per day to produce bio-oil, which would
be converted by a partner organization to produce 10.5 million pounds of
bio-polyol per year, which alternatively can be used to produce an average of ¾
MW of electric power to the Sault Ste. Marie transmission grid.

The bio-polyol will be sold to produce foams, insulation,
coatings, and other high-margin commercial products.

“The development of bio-based energy to help communities
thrive is a reflection of what Battelle does best,” said Kathya Mahadevan, Batelle’s
alternative energy business line manager, in a news release. “With an abundant
supply of feedstock and our small-scale pyrolysis technology, we’re confident
in the reality of a sustainable and productive plant.”

If the project proceeds to plant implementation, the
proposed system would create an estimated 33 local jobs.

The development of a bioenergy project was part of the
city’s Smart Energy Plan, approved in 2012.